Our Team
Veterinary team
Meet our Balwyn Vet team
Our clinic wouldn’t be what it is without our amazing team! We can’t wait to meet you and your pet.
Dr. Kevin Foster
Practice Director
My pet’s names is Alfie
Dr. Michelle Rassool
Veterinarian BSc DVM MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour)
My pet’s names are Nara, Roman, Hinkle
Dr. Michelle has been part of the team at Vets on Balwyn almost since graduating from the University of Melbourne. Originally a Templestowe local, she loves the community of the area, and getting to know regular furry visitors to the clinic. Dr. Michelle has a passion for veterinary behavioural medicine and has achieved her membership qualifications in Veterinary Behaviour.
She has a strong focus on preventative care and supporting mental health in every pet that visits her. She really enjoys creating a safe environment for pets that feel stressed in the clinic, and enjoys helping owner and pet teams learn skills such as cooperative care and handling to make visits more comfortable.
Dr. Michelle enjoys all things Japanese culture and language. She spends her spare time training her Belgian Malinois Nara, snuggling with her cats Roman and Hinkle, and fostering rescue kitties.
Dr Vivienne Tran
Veterinarian
My pet’s names are Bingo, Sweet Pea
Having graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2017, Vivienne started work in regional North Victoria to chase her passion for large animals. She soon realised that her passion lies in small animal medicine and found herself moving back to Melbourne to work at various clinics before settling at Vets on Balwyn.
Despite being born and raised in Melbourne, she is fluent in Vietnamese. Being an only child, she has always been surrounded by pets of all sizes and shapes. She currently has 2 cats, Bingo and Sweet Pea, but hopes to have a dog again in the future.
She enjoys all aspects of general practice but has a particular interest in medicine and imaging. What she loves the most is getting to know the clients and their beloved pets and how to create a tailored care plan for each family. She believes that client education is a very important part of pet care and likes to spend time educating clients as much as possible.
Outside of work, she can be found building puzzles, playing various sports (tennis, volleyball and indoor soccer) and helping her dad at his cafe in Auburn. She also does lion and dragon dancing… So, come and say hi if you see her around!
Dr Sylvana Zhu
Veterinarian
Sylvana graduated from The University of Melbourne. She spent several years building up a strong clinical foundation while working at a busy general practice, emergency, and specialist referral veterinary hospital, before embarking on further training in diagnostic ultrasound, which is where her passion lies.
Sylvana has completed post graduate certification in small animal ultrasound, and has recently completed a two-year course in small animal medicine. She loves to keep up to date with the latest knowledge in the field, in order to provide ongoing good quality medicine and to assist owners in making informed decisions regarding their pets’ health.
Having grown up locally (she attended the primary school across the road), Sylvana is excited to return to the area and join the team at Vets on Balwyn. She performs consultations and offers in-house abdominal and cardiac ultrasound. She can speak conversational Chinese (both Mandarin and Cantonese).
Outside of work, you will find Sylvana wrangling and negotiating with her very spirited toddler. When this chaotic season of life passes, she will be glad to make her way back to her previous hobbies of indoor rock climbing, reading, and various creative pursuits (watercolour painting, embroidery, and print-making).
Sylvana’s household has been pet-free since her greyhound passed away a few years ago, but she has a soft spot for sighthounds and all cats.
Mikaela Munro
Head Nurse
My pet’s names is Evie
Mikaela is the Head Nurse at Vets on Balwyn and has been part of the team since 2015.
She’s always had a strong passion for animals and healthcare and has been a qualified Vet Nurse for more than 10 years, Mikaela is a registered nurse through VNCA. In 2023, Mikaela completed further study, earning her Certificate IV in Training and Assessment as well as a Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (GP). She enjoys chatting through complex cases with the vets, advocating for every patient who comes through the clinic, and has a special love for all things anaesthesia and surgery. Mikaela is also dedicated to supporting and teaching junior nurses, helping them grow in confidence and reach their full potential.
Outside of work, Mikaela loves heading out on long bush walks with her dog Evie (also known as “Nurse Evie” on our socials!) and travelling whenever she can. She has volunteered at an animal shelter in Namibia, working with a wide range of species, and in Thailand caring for elephants — and she’s always dreaming up her next volunteering adventure or holiday.
Lacey Byatt
Vet Nurse
My pet’s names is Hendrix
As a child, Lacey always had to bring home every stray animal she found, always wanting to make sure they would be safe and well cared for. This compassion extended to animals of all sizes from small birds and dogs, to work with larger animals during her volunteer work in Africa.
She completed her Certificate IV in veterinary nursing in 2020. In clinic Lacey enjoys the one-on-one patient care, and the hands-on aspects of the job, especially in surgery, monitoring anaesthetics and caring for her patients through to recovery. At home Lacey is kept busy with her cattle dog cross, Hendrix, who enjoys going to the beach for a big run and play.
Chanel Assetta
Vet Nurse
My pet’s names are Abbie, Bianco
Chanel joined Vets on Balwyn in 2019 and quickly found her passion for keeping our hospital patients managed and our surgical anaesthetics running smoothly. She completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2021 and is now a registered VNCA nurse.
At work she loves getting the team together for social media videos and capturing the behind the scenes at the clinic. When she’s off the clock, Chanel’s household is ruled by her two rescue cats, Abbie & Bianco who very quickly became the centre of her world.
Kiara Caldarelli
Vet Nurse
Since early childhood, Kiara’s love for animals has been unmistakable. Weekend visits to Collingwood Children’s Farm were a cherished tradition, and she has spent her life surrounded by beloved family dogs.
Following high school, Kiara knew without hesitation that she wanted to pursue a career in the animal care industry. She joined Vets on Balwyn in 2023 and began her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, proudly achieving full qualification in 2025.
In her role, Kiara is dedicated, warm, and attentive. She loves giving comforting cuddles to her hospital patients, carefully managing surgical anaesthesia, and welcoming clients with her bright, friendly smile. Her passion for exceptional care shines through in everything she does.
Alex Soule
Vet Nurse
My pet’s names is Awen
Alex completed their Bachelor of Vet Nursing in 2022 and has had a keen love for animals since they were young. Before joining Vets on Balwyn they were previously working with race horses in South Africa, show horses and farm animals in Queensland, followed up with dogs, cats and a range of exotic pets in an animal shelter after moving to Victoria. They have a love for exotic pets and wildlife.
In their free time they love travelling and exploring Victoria’s national parks and marine sanctuaries with their camera in search of wildlife to photograph. At home they are kept busy with their domestic medium hair cat Awen, a large assortment of tropical fish and the occasional possum joey.
Gemma Carta
Vet Nurse
Gemma has always had a love for animals, and when growing up could often be found outside playing with her Jack Russell X Fox Terrier, Lucky.
Gemma completed her Bachelor of Science in 2023 and her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2025. She loves all things science and animal care.
Although not currently having any pets of her own, Gemma loves to visit and play with her sister’s miniature dachshund, Ginny, and cannot wait to be a pet owner in the future.
Chrissy Ntais
Vet Nurse
Chrissy has recently completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing and will graduate at the end of 2025.
She enjoys being part of the clinic team and is committed to developing her skills and knowledge in all areas of patient care, with a particular passion for surgical nursing. She has wanted to work in the veterinary field for as long as she can remember, and although she doesn’t currently have any pets, she grew up with two much loved Pomeranian/Chihuahua mixes who first inspired her interest in animal health.
She hopes to own a German Shepherd one day, as they have always been her favourite breed. Outside of work, she enjoys having a matcha and catching up with friends.
A Balwyn Vet Clinic That Truly Cares
What You Can Expect
We’re committed to delivering care that’s not only compassionate but backed by up-to-date knowledge and best practices. Our team actively stays informed on the latest in veterinary medicine, so we can offer your pet the highest standard of treatment available.
Collaboration between our team and you ensures every care plan is tailored to your pet’s unique needs. Our experience is here for you to rely on, so you leave every visit feeling confident and empowered.
